Revisiting How NCLB Was Framed

No Child Left Behind was the signature education initiative of George W. Bush’s presidential administration. It was followed by the Obama Administration’s Race to the Top initiative. Some say that the differences between the two are far less than they appear. What’s worth noting in the clip above, however, is the central argument the president makes for educational reform. Listen for words like accountable, choice, and measures. Why does he argue reform is essential? If you had to infer, how would you say the president is defining what learning and teaching look like? Then, also consider what is left out of this brief address. (Or, if you’re game, compare President Bush’s words with his successor’s.)